Double edge ribbon-razor

ABSTRACT

A MAGAZINE FOR USE WITH A HOLDER TO FORM A SAFETY RAZOR, WHEREIN A RIBBON-TYPE BLADE IS PROVIDED WHICH HAS CUTTING EDGES ON BOTH SIDES THEREOF. GUIDE MEANS ARE PROVIDED FOR MAINTAINING THE ALIGNMENT OF THE RIBBON-TYPE BLADE WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE UNUSED EDGES THEREOF, AND MEANS ARE PROVIDED FOR ADVANCING SEGMENTS OF THE BLADE SUCCESSIVELY INTO POSITION ON TOP OF THE MAGAZINE UNIT. TOP GUIDE MEANS IS DISPOSED OVER THE TOP OF THE BRIDGE FOR IMPARTING THE DESIRED ANGLE TO THE PORTION OF THE BLADE WHICH IS EXPOSED FOR SHAVING. VARIOUS MEANS ARE DESCRIBED FOR HOLDING THE CARTRIDGE UNIT IN POSITION IN A HANDLE TO FORM A SAFETY RAZOR UNIT.

March 16, 1971 L. K. KUHNL. 3,570,123

DOUBLE EDGE RIBBON-RAZOR v Filed June 6, 1968 12 Sheets-Sheet 1 /N VE N TOR LEOPOLD K. KUHNL Mgr-ch 16, 1971 L.. K. KUHNL. 3,570,123

DOUBLE EDGE RIBBON-RAZOR L OPOLD K. KUHNL *HOW 4 ATT'Ys.

March 16, 1971 K. KUHNL 3,570,123

DOUBLE EDGE RIBBON-RAZOR Filed June 6, 1968 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 v LEOPOLD K. KUHNL March 16, 1971 K. KUHNL 3,57G,1123

DOUBLE EDGE RIBBON-RAZOR Filed June 6, 1968 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 /NvENToR LEOPOLD K. KUHNL March 16, 1971 L. K. KUHNL 3,570,123

DOUBLE v EDGE BBBON-RAZOR Filed June 6, 1968 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 L! E L21 |68 .3. I2 l; y!

INVENTOR LEOPOLD K. KUHNL March 16, 1971 l.. K. KUHNL. 3,570,123

DOUBLE EDGE RIBBON-RAZOR Filed June 6, 1968 v v21.2 Sheets-'Sheet 6 2|e '2,2m E E leo |74/i |80 f 4 I |72/V :muur f/I82 n 22o E |84 l E @l f .g-l-l "16' '66 T n] |68 ,IE E `la@ I Q E l E |88 i. I Enr |90 E E; f E l |94 E g -f- S E 2 17. E E 7 |96 L i 1u f /I'O \l|\ l |70 /NvENToR KUHNL ATT'YS.

March 16, 1971 K, KUHNL 3,570,123

DOUBLE EDGE RIBBON-RAZOR Filed June 6, 1968 12 Sheets-Sheet 7 March 16, 1971 L. K. KUHNL I 3,570,123

DOUBLE EDGE RIBBON-RAZOR Filed June 6,- 1968 12 Sheets-Sheet 8 /NvE/vToR LEO OLD K-. KUHNL v Mx ATT'YS.

March 16, 1971 L. K. KUHNL 3,570,123

DOUBLE EDGE RIBBON-RAZOR 4 Filed June 6, 1968 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 @@@mmmglnQQEsQggglQp-mm E 2 7- INVENTOR LEOPOLD K. KUHNL L. K. KUHNL.

DOUBLE EDGE RIBBON- March 16, 1971 RAZOR 12 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed June 6, 1968 L/ale 8 8 2 rl) )l1/)11] INVENTOR LEOPOLD K. KUHNL March 16, 1971 x...K. KUHNL 3,570,123

vDomani". EDGE RIBBON-RAZOR Filed June 6, 1968 12 sheets-shaun /NVENTOR LEOPOLD K. KUHNL ATT'YS.

March 16, 1971 i l.. K. KUHNL 3,570,123

DOUBLE EDGE RIBBON-RAZOR Filed June 6. 1968 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 fa /356 354 35a l 34e 4,4 302 4.6 53e 33e a I Mj n 40e 40e 374 -lmg 35- /NvENToR LEOPOLD K. KUHNL UnitedStates Patent O" 3,570,123 DOUBLE EDGE RIBBON-RAZOR Leopold K. Kuhnl, Stratford, Conn., assignor to Eversharp, Inc., Milford, Conn. Filed .lune 6, 1968, Ser. No. 735,028 Int. Cl. B26b 21/26 U.S. CL Sli- 40.1 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A magazine for use with a holder to form a safety razor, wherein a ribbon-type blade is provided which has cutting edges on both sides thereof. Guide means are provided for maintaining the alignment of the ribbon-type blade without reference to the unused edges thereof, and means are provided for advancing segments of the blade successively into position on top of the magazine unit. Top guide means is disposed over the top of the bridge for imparting the desired angle to the portion of the blade which is exposed for shaving. Various means are described for holding the cartridge unit in position in a handle to form a safety razor unit.

The magazine unit generally comprises a body, including means for supporting a blade supply, means for taking up the blade, a bridge means for supporting the blade extending between the supply and takeup means, an apertured blade extending across the bridge means, center guide means for the blade, end guide means for the blade on at least one end of the bridge, and top guide means for locking the blade in a fixed position for use. The razor magazine is disposed inside a holder which includes a handle, a razor frame, and a top cover which engages the top guide when the cover is in a closed pos-ition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (l) Field of the invention The iield of the present invention is that of safety razor units, as well as that of safety razor units which include removable magazines containing ribbon-type blades. More particularly, the eld is that of magazine or cartridge type razors and magazines therefor in which the advancing and retaining means for the blade includes at least one guide which cooperated with the central portion of the blade, and in which the blade is moved from a position of storage or supply across a bridge to a takeup position by take-up or advancing means which are manually controlled.

Specifically, the field is that of razors and razor magazines in which novel guide means are provided for performing a plurality of functions in combination so as to provide an operational cycle which is characterized by simplicity, economy, and reliability, together with positive indexing of blades, means for preventing accidental advancing, and for taking advantage of a single blade containing a double edge, that is, a blade having both longitudinal edges thereof sharpened.

The field is also particularly that of advancing mechanisms for ribbon blade type razor magazines having unique operating characteristics and advantages, especially when used in connection with apertured blades, which are adapted to simplify manufacturing and handling of the components.

In another aspect, the yfield of the invention is that of the combination of the novel cartridge with other elements to form a safety razor unit adapted to receive removable, throw-away type cartridges ocntaining a F double edge, ribbon-type razor blade.

3,570,123 Patented Mar. 16, 1971 ICC (2) Description of the prior art Although the concept of a ribbon-type razor blade has been known for many years, ribbon-type razor blades did not become commercially available in large numbers until the last few years. In the past, many designs of ribbon razors ywere proposed and patented, but none achieved large scale commercial success until relatively recently, when certain improvements in ribbon-type blades cartridges made mass production of high quality razor blade and cartridge units practical.

With the advent of mass production of reasonably priced ribbon-type razor blades and cartridge units therefor, there has been an increasing interest in a razor which would combine the convenience of some features of a ribbon-type razor unit with the economy and other desirable features of shaving with a double edge blade. However, most of the intrinsic operational features of existing ribbon-type razor blade cartridges preclude their adaption to double edge blade use.

For example, the practice in commercial ribbon or band razor blade type cartridges is to guide the shaving edge of the blade into position by reference to the other or unsharpened edge of the blade. In addition, some prior art units dispose the bridge over which a portion of the ribbon-type blade passes at an angle other than perpendicular with respect to the face of the magazine, in order to assist in accurate tracking of the blade over the bridge. In other prior art constructions, the end portions of the bridge are twisted or offset, to help blade tracking. In these units, one edge of the blade abuts a guide or stop member, Other prior art construction utilized top covers for guiding or clamping a blade, but presented problems of advancing the blade, clamping it for use in a given position, and releasing the clamping action to allow subsequent advancing of the blade. Still other prior art constructions used various cartridges which were not able to be combined readily and eifectively with holder units to form a satisfactory razor comprising a cartridge and holder unit.

Since most of the expenses of present day cartridges lies in the material cost, and particularly in the cost of blade handling, cartridge assembly, packaging, storage, advertising, and the like, considerable ultimate economy may be gained by effectively doubling the useful life of blade cartridges without lengthening the blade or using extra material, by using a double edge blade in a double edge blade cartridge which is simple and reliable. Because of the foregoing and other problems, manufacture of a cartridge for a double edge ribbon-type blade has not been successfully achieved to date.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In View of the shortcomings of prior art devices, including the devices referred to above, an object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge having improved guiding means for double edge blades within a cartridge holder unit.

A further object is to provide a practical cartridge unit containing a double edge, ribbon-type razor.

A still further object is providing a ribbon-type razorcontaining cartridge 'which may be readily incorporated into a razor which is simple and economical, and wherein the cartridge may be thrown away after use.

Another object is to provide a razor blade cartridge unit in which the blade contains a number of shaving edges on a single blade, and in which the blade track on the supply side is wider than the blade track on the take up spool side of the cartridge, and in which means are provided in the blade for registry with guide means held on the cartridge unit to center the blade in use, as well as to allow the blade to be bent into a convex position whereby the shaving edge is disposed somewhat downwardly in relation to the blade guard on either side of the center line of the ribbon type blade.

Another object of the invention is to provide a razor cartridge `which includes simplified features on the supply and take up spools.

A still further object is to provide a cartridge including a ribbon-type blade in which a top blade guide may be readily raised and lowered to permit easy locking and advancing of the blade, respectively.

Another object is to provide a cartridge wherein simplied guide means disposed on the bridge of the cartridge serve to retain an apertured blade in one position thereof, and to permit ready advancement in another position of said blade, wherein the advancement mechanism utilizes the inherent flexibility of the blade in making a stepwise advance.

A still further object is to provide a holder unit which is particularly adapted for use with the novel cartridge of the invention.

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of prior art devices and accomplishes its objects by providing a novel double edge band razor which includes frame means for supporting a blade supply and take up means for the supply, wherein the blade is trained over a bridge or track-forming portion on the cartridge, means in the cartridge for engaging a portion of the razor band generally centrally thereof for guiding it in its movement from a position exposing one shaving edge of the band razor to a next successive position, and means for holding the band in a desired position of use during shaving, and, in the case of certain preferred embodiments, providing means for releasing the pressure on the band when it is desired to advance the blade from one position to a succeeding position.

The manner in which the above stated objects and advantages are achieved will become more apparent when considered in conjunction with a description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as pointed out more fully in the specification and in the appended claims, and as shown in the drawings, in which like reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. l is a perspective view of one embodiment of an assembled razor including the novel cartridge assembly of the invention disposed in position of use therein;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the relation of the cartridge assembly to the other elements of the razor;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational View of the holder unit for receiving the novel cartridge of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view, taken along lines 4--4 of FIG. 3, showing the holder which accommodates the novel cartridge;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the cartridge for the ribbon-type blade, showing a blade in the cartridge in position of use;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the cartridge assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the cartridge or magazine of the invention, shown with the cover removed;

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of the magazine assembly of the invention, taken along lines `88 of PIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken along lines 9 9 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 5, taken along lines 10-10 thereof;

FIG. 1l is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge of FIGS. 5-7;

FIG. 12 is an end elevational view of the assembled cartridge unit;

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional View, with portions broken away, taken along lines 13-13 of FIG. 7 and showing one of the blade spools of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a different embodiment of the razor unit of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view showing the relation of the cartridge of FIG. 14 to this embodiment of the holder;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of the holder shown in FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional view of the holder, taken on lines 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge assembly of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, showing portions of the blade broken away;

FIG. 19 is an elevational view looking into the cover of the cartridge unit;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the cartridge unit of FIG. 18, with the top guide partially broken away;

FIG. 2l is a front elevational view of the assembly cartridge of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the cartridge unit of FIG. 18, with the cover thereof removed;

FIG. 23 is a vertical sectional view of the cartridge unit, taken along lines 23-23 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the cartridge, taken along lines 24-24 of FIG. 21

FIG. 25 is an enlarged vertical view, taken along lines 25-25 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged vertical sectional View, of the cartridge unit, taken along lines 26-26 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 27 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the double edge ribbon-type razor of the invention;

FIG. 28 is an exploded isometric view of the razor of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a vertical sectional view, taken on lines 29-29 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the magazine unit of the razor of FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the razor magazine of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a front elevational view with moved, of the magazine of FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is a vertical sectional view, taken along lines 33-33 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a vertical sectional View, with portions broken away, taken on lines 34--34 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 35 is a vertical sectional view, with portions broken away, taken along lines 35-35 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 36 is a bottom plan view, with portions broken away, of the razor magazine of FIG. 30;

FIG. 37 is a top plan view of the magazine holder and handle unit of FIG. 27;

FIG. 38 is an rear elevational View of the cover unit of the cartridge shown in FIG. 30.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The razor assembly and cartridge unit of the present invention are best understood by reference to the drawings. As used herein, and in the claims, directions or orientations are taken to be those shown in the drawings, it being understood that such orientations or positions are not required in the use of the razor assembly.

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, FIGS. 1 and 2 show the razor assembly 30 of the present invention to comprise a cartridge assembly 32 carried by a holder 34 which includes a handle 36, an operating knob assembly 38 and a frame assembly 40. The frame 40 comprises a back plate 42, forwardly extending side arms 44, a frame bridge 46 and a hinged cartridge cover 48. A double edge blade B having two edges E is carried in the cartridge assembly 32 in a manner to be described in further detail herein.

The handle unit 36 also includes a number of gripping surfaces 50.

the cover re- Referring now to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the frame assembly 40 includes the back plate 42 and the side arms 44 referred to above, as well as a movable base 52 which engages a flange 54 of the back plate 42, thereby operatively attaching the plate 42 to a rod 56 containing threads 58 at the bottom thereof. These threads 58 engage threads 60 disposed inside a cylinder 62 which is rotated by a square key 64 extending up from the operating knob 38. A collar 66 spaces the knob 38 from the cylinder 62. The collar 66 is pressed into the bottom of the handle 36, and fixed against rotation thereto, but is sized to allow relative rotation of the key 64 and the knob 38, to move the position of the rod 56 longitudinally of the axis thereof, as will be described more fully herein.

It may also be seen, by reference to FIG. 2, that the handle 36 contains a recess 68 and two top seating surfaces 70 for accommodating the lower portion or base surface of the cartridge assembly 32.

The cartridge assembly is shown in FIG. 2 to include a top blade guide 72 disposed over the top thereof, a1lowing the edges E of the double edge blade B disposed therein to be exposed just above the guard members 74 of the cartridge assembly 32. The body 76 of the cartridge includes a front cover 78 having openings 80, 82 therein for accommodating spools which will be described later.

It is also shown that the front cartridge cover 48 includes a leaf spring 84 disposed on the inner surface thereof, for reasons which will be explained more fully hereinafter. It is also shown that the front cover 48 pivots about a hinge point 86, and that when the flange 88 on the bottom of the cover 48 is placed in a position beneath the base unit 52 and opposite flange 54, rotation of the knob 38 will move the rod 56 downwardly and thereby clamp the frame assembly into a secure position with the frame bridge 46 overlying the cartridge unit 32.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the construction details of the knob 38, the key 64, the cylinder 62, and the collar 66 will be more apparent, and it will be seen that the outer threads 58 on the rod 56 engage the inner threads 60 inside the cylinder 62. Likewise, the position of the flanges 54, 88 are shown in FIG. 4, where the position of the spring 84 in relation to the cover plate 48 are also shown. It is understood that the spring 84 is pushed to a position closely adjacent to plate 48 when a cartridge unit 32 is disposed inside the razor. FIG. 4 also illustrates the construction of the hinge point 86, and the preferred construction of the frame bridge 46 which connects the two arms 44 to each other, to form a means for receiving a cartridge assembly 32.

Referring now to FIGS. through 13 inclusive, the cartridge assembly 32 of the invention is shown in greater detail. FIG. 8 shows the assembly 32 as included top guide means 72 disposed over the blade B parallel to the edges E and extending slightly longitudinally outwardly therefrom, thus positioning the blade edges E between the edges of the guide 72 and the fluted or serrated guard element 74. A plurality of slots 90 are provided to allow washing of the razor after use, and drainage is facilitated by the passage 92.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 1l, it is shown that the bodyj 6 includes a central backbone portion 94 which separates left and right hand spool pockets 96, 98, and that a magazine bridge 100, which is generally flat and level, terminates in two arcuate end portions 102, 104. The bridge 100 is substantially perpendicular to the end faces of the body 76 and to the covers 78, 106. At either end of the body 76 are longitudinal extensions 108, the end portions of which extend outwardly beyond the arcuate ends 102, 104 and which are joined to the ends 102, 104 by inwardly facing shoulders 110.

Referring now to FIG. 5, for example, it is shown that the shoulders on the right hand end or supply side of the body 76 are spaced farther apart than are the shoulders 110 on the left side of the body, and that the left side 6 shoulders are very close to contacting the edges E of the blade B. On the right hand side of the body, there is substantial working clearance between the shoulders 110 and the edges E of the blade B to prevent dulling of the blade as it is removed over the end portion 104 of the body 76.

Referring now to the top guide means 72 of FIG. 11, this guide is shown to include downwardly vertically extending sides 112, 114, each possessing an inwardly directed flange 116, 118. Two outer covers v120, '122 are provided for the pockets 96, 98, and each is -pivotally supported in place by a pin 124, 126 near the bottom of the body 76, and each contains an outwardly extending flange 128, 130 at the upper portion thereof. The flanges 128, 130 engage the inner faces of the ends i112, 1114. This arrangement prevents outward movement of the covers 120, 122, and allows free but limited vertical 4movement of the guide 72, the downward movement being restricted as the guide 72 engages the blade B or bridge 100, and the upward movement being limited as the flanges 116, 118 engage the cover flanges 128, 130. The sides 112, 114 also, on the inner faces thereof, engage the outer faces of the extensions 108.

The right hand or supply side arcuate end portion 104 of the body 76 includes a center guide means in the form of a steel ball 132 which is pressed in place therein, and is sized so as to register with the apertures 134 in the blade B.

The other principal components of the cartridge 32 are the blade takeup and supply means in the form of left hand and right hand spools 136, 138, each of which includes a slot 140, 142 for receiving a portion of the blade B. Nose portions 144, 146 are provided on the spools 136, 138 for respective engagement with the openings 80, `82 in the cover 78. The takeup spool 136 also includes a square or other non-circular opening 148 therein which is sized to receive the key 64 of the knob 38, and this spool 136 also includes arms 150 containing pawls 152 thereon for engaging the ratchets 154 in the recess 156 provided on the back magazine cover 106. FIG. 13 shows that the blade B is held between a cap 158 and the body of the spool 136 by means of a lock 160 engaged therewith. The principle of operation of the spool including the pawl and ratchet mechanism is weil known to those vskilled in this art, and further detailed description of the makeup and operation thereof are therefore omitted herefrom.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 10, certain additional features of the magazine and the operation thereof will be discussed. FIG. 5 shows the presence of the ball 132 'and the registry thereof with the apertures 134. It is also known that the arcuate ends 102, 104 of the bridge terminate inwardly of the extensions 108.

FIG. 6 shows the cover 78 in place and the alignment of the nose portions 144, 146 with the openings `80, 82 in the cover 78. It also shows the ends 112, 114 of the top guide means 72 disposed over the extensions 108 and the top guide means 72 in the downward position, closely overlying the blade B. The arrow in FIG. 6 shows that rotating the left hand spool clockwise will draw the blade over the bridge from the right hand spool.

FIG. 7 shows the magazine 32 with the cover 78 removed therefrom. It shows that the flanges 116, 1118 are spaced apart from the flanges 128, 130 when the top guide means 72 closely overlies the blade. FIG. 7 is somewhat diagrammatic, since the tension of the blade tends to raise the top guide means 72, and other means must be provided to hold the guide means 72 in the position shown, as will be described in detail further herein. However, it will be seen that the blade B is trained over the arcuate end portions 102, 104 and that it passes over the tops of the spools 136, 138 before passing over the top of the bridge 100.

FIG. 8 shows the guide means 72 holding the blade B in place over the bridge 100 in the center portion of the magazine 32 and shows the relation between the guard 74 and the blade edge E as well as the connection between the cleaning slots 90 and the drain passage 92.

FIG. 9 shows the end portion 102 of the magazine 32, the blade B on both the top and bottom of the end 102, and the engagement of the end ange 116 with the cover flange 128.

FIG. 10 shows the guard 72 in the raised position with the flange 116 engaging the ange 128 and the flange 118 engaging the flange 130. The spaces between the bridge 100 and the guide means 72 allows the blade, through its own inherent resiliency, to move upwardly and into Contact with the guide 72. Upon rotation of the spool 136, the blade, the apertures 134 of which were registered with the ball 32, assumes a different configuration and can deflect somewhat outwardly, that is, upwardly, as well as both to the right and the left as seen in FIG. l0, and this allows the blade B to move outwardly on the ball 132 enough that a pull thereon will cause the blade to bounce or skip forward to the next position of engagement with an aperture 134. With the guide 72 in the raised position, rotation of the spool 136 causes a temporary tensioning of the blade, which is released as blade advances to the next successive step of engagement with the ball 132. This tensioning and release cycle is repeated until a new blade edge is in place, whereupon, the lguide means 72 is pulled down over the bridge 100, securely clamping the blade between the guide 72 and the bridge 100. Reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, for example, illustrate this process since it can be seen that the downward pull on the anges S4, 88 by the rod 56 will move the bridge 46 downwardly and cause it to engage the guide 72 in a clamping relation.

When the blade is in any particular position, it is used until it is desired to utilize a new portion of the ribbon-type blade. Then, the knob 38 is rotated counterclockwise, the grip of the frame 40 on the cartridge 32 is loosened, the spring 84 snaps the front cover 88, open, exposing the opening 148 in the spool 136, so that the key portion 64 of the knob 38 may be engaged therewith and rotated, to advance the blade to the next position. This may be done with the cartridge 32 in place in the holder, as set forth above, and replacement of the knob in the cylinder 62 and rotation thereof for pulling the bridge 46 down over the guide 72, after closing the front cover 38, serves to lock the cartridge 32 into a desired position in the razor with the blade in an advanced position. In the embodiment shown, one ball 132 is provided. However, balls may also be provided in spaced relation along the bridge 100, or on the other end portion 102, or both. Likewise, the covers 120, 122 are shown in a preferred form, but these may be integrally formed with the body 76. This embodiment shows the use of the knob 38 and key 64 as a means for rotating the spool 136, but other known means may be used for this purpose.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 through 26, a second ernbodiment of the razor unit of the invention is shown. In particular, FIG. 14 shows that assembled razor 162 comprises a cartridge assembly 164 carried by a holder 166 which includes a handle 168, an operating knob assembly 170 and a frame assembly 172. The frame 172 comprises a back plate 174, forwardly extending side arms 176, a frame bridge 178 and a hinged front cartridge cover 180. A double edge blade B having two edges E is carried in the cartridge assembly 164 in a manner to be described in further detail herein.

Referring now to FIG. 15, it will be seen that the frame assembly 172 includes the back plate 174 and the side arms 176 referred to above, as well as a movable base 182 which engages a portion 184 of the back plate 174, there- 'by operatively attaching the plate 174 to a rod 186 containing threads 188 at the bottom thereof. These threads 188 engage threads 190 disposed inside a cylinder 192 which is rotated by a square key 194 extending up from the operating knob 170. A collar 196 spaces the knob 170 from the cylinder 192. The collar 196 pressed into the bottom of the handle 168, and ixed against rotation there- 8 to, but is sized to allow relative rotation of the key 194 and the knob 170, to move the position of the rod 186 longitudinally of the axis thereof, as was described in relation to the first embodiment of the invention.

It may also be seen, by reference to in FIG. l5 that the handle 168 contains a recess 198 and two top seating surfaces 200 for accommodating the lower portion or base surface of the cartridge assembly 164.

The cartridge assembly 164 is shown in FIG. 15 to include a top blade guide 202 disposed over the top thereof, allowing the edge E of the doubleedge blade B disposed therein to be exposed just above the guard members 204 of the cartridge assembly 162. The body 206 of the cartridge includes a front cover 208 having an opening 210 therein through which a key 212 extends in engagement with an advancing wheel 214.

It is also shown that the front cartridge cover 180 includes a leaf spring 216 disposed on the inner surface thereof, for reasons which will be explained more fully hereinafter. It is also shown that the front cover 180 pivots about a hinge point 218, and that when the flange 220 on the bottom of the front cover 180 is placed in position beneath the base unit 182, rotation of the knob 170 will move the rod 186 downwardly and thereby clamp the frame assembly 172 into a secure position with the frame bridge 178 overlying the cartridge unit 164.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, the construction details of the knob 170, the key 194, the cylinder 192, and the collar 196 will be more aparent, and it will be seen that the outer threads 188 on the rod 186 engage the inner threads 190 inside the cylinder 192. Likewise, the position of the ange 220 is shown in FIG 17, Where the position of the spring 216 in relation to the cover plate are also shown. It is understood that the spring 216 is pushed to a position closely adjacent to plate 180l when a cartridge unit 164 is disposed inside the razor. FIG. 17 also illustrates the construction of the hinge point 218 and the preferred construction of the frame bridge 178 which connects the two arms 176 to each other, to form a means for receiving a cartridge assembly 164.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 through 26, inclusive, the cartridge assembly 164 of the invention is shown in greater detail. FIG. 18 shows the assembly 164 as including top guide means 202 disposed over the blade B parallel to the edges E, and extending slightly longitudinally outwardly therefrom, thus positioning the blade edges E between the edges of the guide 202 and the fluted or serrated guard element 204. A plurality of slots 222 are provided to allow washing of the razor after use, and the slots 222 communicate with a drain passage 224.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 18, it is shown that the body 206 includes a rear frame element 226, a bottom ange 228, blade supply supports in the form of spool shafts 230, 232, and that a magazine bridge 234, which is generally flat and level, terminates in two arcuate end portions 236, 238. The bridge 234 is substantially perpendicular to the frame element 226, and to the face of the front cover 208. At either end of the body 206 are longitudinal extensions 240, the end portions of which extend outwardly beyond the arcuate ends 236, 238, and which are joined to the ends 236, 238 inwardly facing shoulders 242.

Referring now to FIG. 20, for example, it is shown that the shoulders 242 on the left hand end of the body 206 are spaced farther apart than are the shoulders 242 on the right side of the body, and that the right side shoulders 242 are very close to contacting the edges E of the blade B. On the left hand side of the body, there is substantial Working clearance between the shoulders 242 and the edges E of the blade B to prevent dulling of the blade as it is removed from the supply means and trained over the end portion 236 of the body 76.

Referring now to the top guide means 202 of FIG. 18, this guide is shown to include downwardly vertically extending sides each possessing an inwardly directed flange 248, 250. Two outer or side covers 252, 254 are provided on the cover 208 for enclosing the blade takeup and supply, and each contains an outwardly extending flange 256, 258 at the upper portion thereof. The flanges 256, 258 engage the inner faces of the ends 244, 246. This arrangement allows free but limited vertical movement of the guide 202, the downward movement'being restricted as the guide 202 engages the blade B on bridge 234, and the upward movement being limited as the flanges 248, 250 engage the cover flanges 256i, 258. 'Ihe sides 244, 246 also, on the inner faces thereof, engage the outer faces of the extension 240.

The left hand or supply side arcuate end portion 236 of the body 206 includes a center guide means in the form of a star wheel 260 which is rotatably supported in place on a shaft 262 (FIG. 23) and includes teeth 264 vihich are sized so as to register with the apertures 266 in the blade B.

The other principal component of the cartridge 164 are the blade supply and takeup means in the form of upper and lower blade spools 268, 270, each of which includes a slot 272, 274 for receiving a portion of the blade B. An opening 276 is provided in the spool 268 for engagement with a boss 278 disposed on the inside face of the cover 208. The takeup spool 270 includes a square key 212 which extends through the cover 208 and is received in the wheel 214. The spool 270 also includes the arm and pawl arrangement shown, which is the same as that used in the magazine 32 of the first embodiment of the invention. A spring 280 urges the key 212 outwardly. FIG. 26 shows the disposition of the spools 268, 270 in place between the covers 226, 208.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 through 26, certain additional features of the magazine and the operation thereof will be discussed. FIGS. 20 and 23 show the presence of the star wheel 260 and the registry of the teeth 264 thereof with the apertures 266. The recess 282 in the end 236 accommodate the wheel 260. The arcuate ends 236, 238 of the bridge terminate inwardly of the extensions 240, and the teeth 264 extend slightly upwardly and outwardly of the end 236.

FIG. 19 shows the cover 208 removed, and FIG. 26 shows the cover in place and the alignment of the supports 230, 232 with the support 278 and the opening for the key 212, respectively.

FIG. 2l shows the cartridge 164 with the top guide means 202 in a raised position, that is, with the flanges 2148, 250 engaging the flanges 256, 2158 on the cover 208. FIG. 22 shows the cartridge 164 with the top guide removed and the blade B trained over the bridge 234, and the front cover 208 removed. FIG. 23 is similar to FIG. 22, except that it is a sectional view. It shows the disposition of the shaft 262 and the recess 282 in the end 236. FIG. 24 shows the blade B in position beneath the top guide 202, and shows the blade trained over the top of the bridge 234 as well as beneath the end 236. The shaft 262 and wheel 260 are also shown. The ends of the guide 202 may be bent somewhat downwardly at the edges thereof, as shown, if the teeth 264 of the star wheel 260 extend upwardly of the plane of the bridge 234, to provide working clearance for the Wheel 260. As is conventional, a viewing window (W, FIG. ll) may be provided in either embodiment in any desired location.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 26 shows the star wheel on the left or supply side, but it is contemplated that this star wheel guide be placed on the right hand side, or that a star wheel may be placed on either side of the bridge.

The operation of this unit is similar to that of the other unit, except that the top guide means 202 need not be loosened to a particularly great extent in order to permit the blade to be advanced, since the manner of engagement of the blade by the star wheel guide means 260 differs from that of the ball type guide means 132. In this embodiment, the wheel 212 is illustrated as a means for operating the takeup reel 270, and the cover 10 180 is provided to cover at least a portion of the wheel 214 when the razor is in position of use. To advance the blade, the knob is manipulated, allowing the stem 186 and bridge 178 to rise, and the spring 216 opens the cover affording access to the wheel 214. Thereupon, the blade is advanced by manipulating the wheel 214 and a new blade edge portion is disposed across the bridge 234, the cover 180 is closed over the cartridge, and the knob |170 tightened, serving to secure the cartridge in place with the top guide 202 in a position closely overlying the bridge 234.

In the illustrated embodiments, plastic has been illustrated as a typical material for the magazine body, the spools, etc., and metal for some other components. However, the exact materials used are not critical. Suitable plastics are ABS, acetals, nylons (polyamides) and the like. The metal portions other than the blade, such as the razor frame, top guide, etc. may be brass, aluminum, steel, or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 27 to 38, there is shown a third embodiment of the double edge band or ribbontype razor cartridge and holder unit of the present invention. Although certain features of this embodiment are similar to those in their counterparts in other embodiments of the invention, this embodiment also includes other novel features which 'will now be described.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 27, there is shown a razor unit 284 comprising a magazine 286, a handle 288 with gripping surfaces 290, an operating knob 292, cartridge holder means 294 and a locking lever 296. The magazine 286 includes a front cover 298, a guard bar 300, and top blade guide means 302.

Referring now to FIG. 28, it is shown that the top guide means 302 includes a holder 304 clipped thereover, and that recesses 306 include openings 308 on the sides of the cover 298, and that the openings 308 are adapted to receive projections 310 on the cartridge holding means 294 which are disposed in use within the recesses 306. The handle 288 also includes a locking lever 296 which is movably mounted on a pivot 312. Movement of the lever 296 to the downward position within the recess 314 in the handle 288 moves the right hand holder 294 Which is operatively associated with the lever 296 downwardly into position to lock the cartridge 286 onto the handle 288. An operating rod 316 having an upper splined end 31-8 and a lower keyed end 320 fits within a bore 322 in the handle 288 where a guide 324 maintains the rod 316 in position. An opening 326 in an extension portion 328 of the knob 292 receives the lower keyed portion `320 of the rod 316. A sleeve 330 maintains the knob 292 in place by surrounding the extension 328.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 29 and 30, further details of the magazine 286 are shown. The magazine unit comprises a body portion 332, a substantially flat bridge portion 332, a substantialy at bridge portion 334, right and left hand arcuate end portions 336, 338, recesses 340, 342 disposed therein, and slots 346 which communicate with a transversely extending drain passage in the same manner as its counterpart in the earlier described embodiments. Extensions 348 are formed on either end of the bridge 334, and these extend outwardly beyond the arcuate ends 336, 338. Oppositely facing, .inwardly directed shoulders 350 are provided on the inside portions of the extensions 348. Left hand and right hand star wheels 352, 354 are rotatably mounted on pins 356, 358 disposed inside the recesses 340, 342 in the ends 336, 338.

The top guide means 302 includes a central channel 360, and front and rear flanges 362, 364, which extend outwardly to either side of the channel 360, and are angled slightly downwardly. The top guide means 302 also includes end portions 366, 368 which, Iin use, are disposed adjacent the projections 348 in a facing relation.

The holder 304 includes ends 370', 372, and end flanges 374, 376 which are used to clip the holder 304 in position, with the principal portion thereof lying in the channel 360,

as will be further described herein. The body 332 includes stub shafts 378, 380' to receive upper end lower supply and takeup spools 382, 384. The spools 382, 384 are similar to their counterparts in the earlier described embodiments, and accordingly, further description Will be omitted of the similar portions. However, the takeup spool 384 includes, at one end thereof, a spur 386 having teeth 388 adapted to mesh with teeth 390 on a horizontally disposed spur driving gear 392, which includes a bearing surface 394 and an inwardly splined opening 396. The opening 396 receives the splined end 318 of the rod 316. Semicircular recesses 398, 400 are disposed respectively in a bottom ange 402 of the body 332 and in the bottom flange 404 of the cover 298 (FIG. 38) and surround the bushing 394 to hold the gear 392 in place, with the gear ange 406 extending beneath the cartridge 286.

The front cover 298, in adition to the recesses 306 and the openings 308, includes top anges 408, 410 for receiving the end flanges 374, 376 of the holder 304. The cutout 412 provides an opening for the drain passage which communicates with the slots 346.

Referring now to FIG. 3l, it may be seen that the shoulders 350 are spaced farther apart on the left side or supply side of the magazine 286 than on the right hand or takeup side thereof in order to aid in guiding the blade over the bridge, and, if desired, these shoulders may be spaced so as to contact the blade edges and and help further dull them after use.

FIGS. 34 and 35 show the holder 304 maintaining the top guide 302 in position with the outer edges `414, 416 of the front and rear flanges 362, 364 closely overlying the blade B, and the center portion 418 of the inside of the guide 302 spaced apart from the blade B in the center thereof, so as not to exert excessive force on the blade and so as to provide clearance for the teeth of the star wheels 352, 354. The flange 374 is shown in position beneath the frame 408 in FIG. 35, and the blade B is shown beneath the end 336 as well as above it.

FIGS. 32 and 33 show the spools 382, 384 in position and the engagement of the teeth 388, 390 which serve to drive the spool 384, as well as the disposition of the star wheels 352, 354 in position of use.

Referring now to lPIG. 36, the flange 406 and splines 396 of the gear 392 are shown, as are the recesses 306 in the magazine 286.

FIG. 37 shows the splined end 318 of the shaft, the holders 294 and the guide 324 in position in the handle 288.

FIG. 38 shows the cover 298, the bottom flange 404 thereof containing the cutout 400, the flanges 408, 410 and two stub shafts 420, 422, which serve to aid in supporting the spools 382, 384.

In the operation of this form of the razor unit of the invention, it is not necessary to raise the top guide means 304 in order to advance the blade. This is further facilitated where the guide 302 is made from la lubricous material such as a uorocarbon or nylon plastic or the like. The holder or clip 304 keeps the guide means 302 in position, and since the blade is advanced over the star Wheels, resistance to advancing is somewhat less than in some other embodiments of the invention. Therefore, in this case, the blade may be advanced from a remote position by manipulating a knob 292 and associated drive means, the rod 316 and gears 386, 392 being illustrated as suitable means for this purpose. Turning the knob a desired amount to advance the blade to a new position is all that is required.

The snap over center locking mechanism which includes the holders 294 and locking lever 296 is illustrated as a means for holding the razor magazine in position in the handle, by way of illustrating a holder which includes a handle but which does not totally surround the magazine 286, the need therefor being obviated by the provisions of the holder 304. In other respects, the operation of the razor unit yis similar to that of the earlier described embodiments.

Among the advantages of the present invention are the provision of a razor which is simple to manufacture and provides substantially twice the economy of the single edge band razor. These adfvantages are provided without sacrificing other desirable characteristics of a band razor, namely that the blade can be simply advanced, and reliably held in the position to which it is advanced until it is desired to be advanced again. Providing the single knob for locking and advancing in the first embodiment, and providing a cover for the operating wheel in the second embodiment, serve to assure that the blade will not unintentionally be advanced while the top guide is closely overlying the blade.

The provision of the clip over the top guide means in the third embodiment helps hold the blade, but eliminates the need for locking the blade against advancement While it is in the bridge.

The guide means for the apertured blade allows advancing of the blade, but prevents movement thereof laterally of the blade. Provision of the shoulders at one end of the bridge serves to guide the blade but does not dull it until it has been advanced over the bridge. In one embodiment, the provision of the partition clip serves to keep the supply spool tightly wound, while at the same time facilitating handling of the blade-containing spool during assembly. The bridge portion of the razor may be somewhat arcuate when viewed in the cross-section, shown in FIGS. 8, 24, and 33 for example, but it is preferably flat, since the end portions of the bridge are flat in this sense. The provision of the top guide and the frame bridge means for locating the blade serve to hold it in position, particularly near the edge portions thereof. Thus, the guide means within the body and over the top of the ybridge do away with the need for precise manufacture of the star wheels, balls, ratchets, etc. as a means of locating the blade, since the top guide holds it rmly in place, and helps prevent slack in the advancing mechanism. The manipulation of the razor in use is simple and straightforward, and the assembled unit is not substantially thicker in cross section than is a single edge magazine-type razor. The light weight and compact configuration make the razor easy to handle.

Referring now to the frame for the razor unit, it will be seen that certain embodiments of this invention provide means for supporting the cartridge, for facilitating easy removal thereof, and for moving lthe top guide means into closely overlying relation to the blade. These embodiments also include means for assuring that the blade will not be advanced while the top guide is xedly engaged with the blade, and further provide spring means associated with the front cover for facilitating opening thereof to advance the blade or to replace the cartridge. The other embodiment provides remote advancing means and springor resilient-type upper blade guide means. All of these units also provide simple and inexpensive construction.

It will thus be seen that the present invention provides a novel razor magazine and razor comprising the magazine and novel holder unit, having many advantages and characteristics, including those hereinbefore pointed out, and others which are inherent in the invention.

I claim:

1. A magazine for a double edge razor, said magazine comprising, in combination, a magazine body, blade supply means associated with said body, blade takeup means associated with said body, a ribbon-type blade having a sharpened front edge portion, plural evenly spaced apertures and a sharpened rear edge portion, said blade extending in use between said supply means and said takeup means, a blade supporting bridge means on said body portion and in the path of said razor blade, said bridge being substantially flat throughout a principal portion of its extent, generally arcuate end portions at either end of said bridge means, guide means associated with at least one of said arcuate end portions, and manually operable means for advancing said ribbon-type blade across said -bridge means to move successive portions of said blade into position along said bridge, said guide means comprising at least one ball element held in one of said arcuate end portions, so as to prevent advancement of said blade when said blade is disposed tightly around said arcuate end portion, and to permit successive advancement of said blade by successive engagement of said ball with said apertures in said blade when said blade is trained loosely over said arcuate end portion.

2. A magazine for a double edge razor, said magazine comprising, in combination, a magazine body, blade supply means associated with said body, blade takeup means associated with said body, a ribbon-type razor blade having a sharpened front edge portion and a sharpened rear edge portion, said blade extending in use bet-Ween said supply means and said takeup means, a blade supporting bridge means on said body portion and in the path of said razor blade, said bridge being substantially flat throughout a principal portion of its extent, generally arcuate end portions at either end of said bridge means, guide means associated with at least one of said arcuate end portions, and manually operable means for advancing said ribbontype blade across said bridge means to move successive portions of said blade into position along said bridge, said body including movable cover means for said supply means and said takeup means, and in which said magazine further includes a top guide having portions thereof engaging portions of said cover means to prevent outward movement of said covers and to allow limited movement of said guide means with the top portion thereof parallel to said bridge portion.

3. A razor magazine for a double edge razor, said magazine comprising, in combination, a magazine body, a supply of a ribbon-type blade having front and rear sharpened edge portions, and being disposed within said body, means for taking up said supply of blade, said body also including a generallly at bridge portion for supporting a portion of said blade in shaving position, said bridge being disposed between said takeup means and said blade supply and being substantially Hat throughout a principal portion of its extent, generally arcuate portions at either end of said bridge means, means for guiding said blade against lateral movement in relation to the direction in which it may be advanced across said bridge, and additional blade guide means for engaging said blade along a flat top surface portion thereof to prevent blade movement upwardly and away from said bridge when desired to maintain said blade in a closely overlying relation to said bridge for shaving, and for permitting free but limited movement of said blade upwardly in order to permit advancing of said blade with minimum force, wherein said magazine further includes means for preventing said blade from being unintentionally advanced, said means including a protective cover adapted to be positioned, during shaving, so as to prevent access to the means for causing movement of said take-up means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 973,533 10/1910 Mergenthaler 30-40.1 2,045,222 6/1936 Ern 3040.1 2,572,005 10/1951 Borden 3040.1 2,834,104 5/1958 Olijnyk 30-40.1

OTHELL M. SIMPSON, Primary Examiner 

